FUNKEN Night #5 | Testbeds I 03.06.2025

Over the past few months, a landscape of artistic works in the field of tension between art and technology has emerged at Funken Space. The basis for this is an inquisitive exploration of the relationship between man, nature and technology. A lecture performance by Yana Zschiedrich will give us an insight into artistic research into the ecological challenges of our time.

“Hybris” is an art-based research initiative that demonstrates innovative ways to repurpose waste materials into art and building materials. Since 2019, Yana Zschiedrich has been exploring this concept by integrating mealworms as participatory elements in the creative process. This collaboration enables the transformation of expanded polystyrene into biodegradable materials that can be used in the construction industry as a sustainable alternative to sand.

Yana Zschiedrich is an interdisciplinary artist with a focus on artistic research. After completing her bachelor’s degree in interior design at the Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design (2015), she completed her diploma and masterclass studies at the Academy of Visual Arts Leipzig (2020 and 2024). Her work operates at the intersection of material research, sustainability and experimental art practice. In her current projects, she deals with ecological challenges and combines innovative material research with a profound artistic exploration.

Photo Credit: Marco Dirr

Event programme:

From 17:00 – Open Doors
17:30 – Hybris with Yana Zschiedrich

Yana Zschiedrich’s research initiative Hybris examines the complex relationship between humans, nature and the built environment. She develops innovative approaches – such as Geobris, a sustainable building material she designed – to rethink the interface between concept and materiality. Her works critically reflect on human hubris and explore ways of designing art and architecture in harmony with ecological principles.

18:30 – Guided tour through FUNKEN Currents

The FUNKEN Kolleg exhibition marks the conclusion of an intensive artistic-research dialogue. Over the course of several months, art, science and business have researched, experimented and networked with each other beyond academic boundaries – in pursuit of common questions. Following the lecture, there will be an opportunity to get to know the resulting works.

Afterwards, we will round off the evening with music, drinks and stimulating conversations in a convivial atmosphere.

Admission free | Technologiecampus 6, 09126 Chemnitz